If May seems like a more cuddly month than others, it could be because May is National Pet Month. That means, of course, it’s time to rate American cities for their pet-worthiness. Estately has ranked the top 17 US cities for dogs, and we featured the top 10 from that list. San Francisco, you may be surprised to know, isn’t number one- or even number two or three!

Methodology

Estately measured the quality of dog living in each metropolis with a little science, a little meteorology, and some basic canine love. “We scoured the country, factoring in weather, Walk Score, yard size, dog activities, Meetup groups, and the availability of dog sitters onRover.com. After a lot of debate we settled on these 17 urban dog paradises.”

In a tribute to fairness, Estately (based in Seattle) puts the Emerald City in 3rd place. Yes, it rains a lot, but like SF, Seattle still hosts more dogs than children in its limits. And, “unlike in many other cities, dogs are welcome on Seattle’s bus lines, ferries, light rail, and even local seaplanes.”Owners and pets alike enjoy 32 different Meetup groups for dog lovers, as well as dog-friendly businesses like BARK! espresso, and Scraps Dog Bakery.

San Francisco has 27 dog parks, the third most of any city in the U.S. with 27, and Walk Score has it ranked second nationally for walkability for ambling with your pet. Perhaps the destination is the beach, or a dog-friendly bar like The Stray Bar, a restaurant with welcoming patio, or one of our dog-friendly gyms .

Despite having few off-leash dog parks, Boston is a leafy green city on a river and harbor, so lots of doggy fun can be had. “Boston is home to the first subway built in America and dogs are allowed to ride it during off-peak hours. Additionally, there are cruises of Boston Harbor that include time for dogs to play pirate and explore an uninhabited island.” Owners and pets alike enjoy the Liberty Hotel hosts a weekly “Yappier Hour,” a happy hour with food and drinks for both people and their four-legged friends.”

According to this Block Avenue article, Boston neighborhoods with high numbers of pet dogs can be a sign of high home ownership.

In a city famed (and defamed) for offering home to more dogs than kids, it might be hard to accept 5th place. What do you say, readers? Do we demand a recount?

Anna Marie Erwert writes from both the renter and new buyer perspective, having (finally) achieved both statuses. She focuses on national real estate trends, specializing in the San Francisco Bay Area and Pacific Northwest, and writes for SFGate and CurbedSF. Follow Anna on Twitter: @AnnaMarieErwert